What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost auto key replacement in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes, it's the little things, like keys.

For most cars keys, a new one can be made at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you were running an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you lose your only car key.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

The next step is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

Also, you should check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob with a chip and lost my only car key it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your car so you can store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative receives the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your assistance.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to find.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a strong tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid losing any money or time.

Contact for a locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to call a locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate the correct key.

You'll need visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses smart fobs. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key car lost for your car and can take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership however at a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost my only car key key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also recommended to inform the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is to not panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to help.